#24. @realDonaldTrump How will a tax on Mexican imports affect US consumers? #100Days100Qs

February 15, 2017 · 9:00 AM EST

A view of a section of the U.S.-Mexico border fence at El Paso, U.S. opposite the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico February 2, 2017. Picture taken from the Mexico side of the U.S.-Mexico border.

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REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez

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Mr. President, how will a tax on Mexican imports affect US consumers?

President Donald Trump has said he'll make Mexico pay for his border wall, and one idea he's floating for doing that is a tax on Mexican imports. Easy, right? Wrong.

There has been outcry by Republicans and Democrats, not to mention across the border. Many lawmakers are worried that it will hurt businesses and further alienate Hispanic voters.

“Border security yes, tariffs no. Mexico is 3rd largest trading partner. Any tariff we can levy they can levy. Huge barrier to economic growth.”

If you need an example of how this tax might affect your daily life, consider the avocado. Nearly one-third of all avocados come from Mexico. It would make that guacamole you eat a little pricier. And, there are other goods too — tomatoes, strawberries, tequila and cars. Yes cars. A huge portion of cars and car parts are made in Mexico.

So, yes, we may charge Mexican businesses a little more for these items, businesses would most likely pass those costs on to consumers

Mr. President, we're wondering how your proposed border adjustment tax will affect consumers. Do you know? Click here to tweet the question to the president.

Over President Donald Trump's roughly first 100 days, we'll be asking him questions that our audience wants answers to. Join the project by tweeting this question to @realDonaldTrump with the hashtag #100Days100Qs. See more of our questions at pri.org/100questions.

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